Illinois Private Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Greater St. Louis region for projects that improve transportation, safety, and access to services for seniors aged 55 and older.

The Harry S. Black & Allon Fuller Fund is dedicated to supporting quality health care and human services programming for underserved populations. This grant program aligns directly with the foundation's mission to address critical needs in communities, specifically focusing on improving access to essential services for those who face significant barriers. The fund's strategic priorities are rooted in the belief that robust health care and human services are fundamental to individual well-being and community strength. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are underserved populations within the city limits of New York City and Chicago. This includes low-income communities requiring health care access, health education, and health policy advocacy, as well as physically disabled individuals who need access programs, disability policy advocacy, workforce development, and initiatives to enhance their quality of life. The impact goals are to foster healthier, more equitable communities by empowering individuals through improved access to vital resources and support. The grantmaking focus areas clearly define the fund's priorities. In health care, the fund supports access, education, and policy analysis and advocacy, with a specific emphasis on programs serving low-income communities. For physical disabilities, the fund prioritizes access programs, disability policy analysis and advocacy, workforce development, and programs that improve the quality of life for disabled individuals. These areas reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing systemic inequities and promoting inclusive community development. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, it can be inferred that the fund seeks to achieve tangible improvements in the health and well-being of the target populations, increased access to services for the physically disabled, and greater equity through policy advocacy and workforce development. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in organizations that provide direct services and advocate for systemic change, they can create a lasting positive impact on the lives of underserved individuals in their designated geographic areas.

The Skokie Community Foundation (SCF) grant program aims to invest in organizations and projects that significantly benefit Skokie residents and strengthen the community, extending impact beyond the grant period. This aligns with SCF's broader mission to foster a supportive, engaged, and dynamic community in Skokie through meaningful giving, collaboration, and community programming. The foundation's strategic priority is to create lasting positive change by supporting initiatives that address identified needs within the community and demonstrate a clear path to impact. The target beneficiaries are primarily Skokie residents, with a specific focus on projects where the majority of those benefiting reside in Skokie. The program's impact goals include strengthening the community, breaking down barriers, building relationships, and working towards unity and mutual respect and understanding within Skokie's diverse population. SCF supports projects that contribute to population and systems-level change, seeking to advance equity through collaborative efforts. SCF places particular priority on proposals that utilize a Collective Impact model, which involves a network of community members, organizations, and institutions learning together, aligning, and integrating their actions. Another key focus is on initiatives that bring about unity in diversity. The program also prioritizes proposals that directly address clearly identified needs of Skokie residents. Grant funding typically ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, with an average grant size of $5,000, and is for a one-year period from January 1 through December 31, 2025. Expected outcomes and measurable results are crucial for SCF. Proposals are evaluated based on whether they address a significant concern or opportunity, demonstrate collaboration between organizations, clarify the roles and responsibilities of co-applicants, address participant recruitment from Skokie, have an appropriate budget, and include a sufficient evaluation plan to track progress and determine success. The foundation's theory of change emphasizes that by funding collaborative, community-focused projects with clear objectives and evaluation metrics, they can achieve sustainable positive change and strengthen the fabric of the Skokie community.

This program provides funding to Illinois public schools and qualifying organizations to install modern water bottle-filling stations, promoting healthier hydration habits among students while reducing reliance on sugary drinks and single-use plastics.

This grant provides $25,000 and mentorship to early-stage climate technology companies in Illinois, helping them develop innovative solutions that positively impact the environment.

This grant provides funding to Illinois communities designated as Tree City USA to remove dead or diseased trees and support future replanting efforts in disadvantaged areas.

This contest invites photographers of all skill levels to showcase their images of the Cook County Forest Preserves, with a focus on capturing the area's natural beauty and outdoor activities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to charitable nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, education, and health, to help them implement programs or expand initiatives within the community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in select U.S. markets that focus on youth education, storytelling, and community engagement initiatives.

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is accepting applications for its Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Program, a grant initiative aimed at enhancing safety and promoting active transportation. This program aligns with the broader mission of moveDC, DDOT's strategic plan, which seeks to strengthen the multimodal network for all roadway users and support goals in safety, mobility, and sustainability. The grant, ranging from $500,000 to $1 million over a four-year duration, focuses on providing comprehensive education to reduce injuries and fatalities related to walking and bicycling in the District of Columbia. The target beneficiaries of this program include DC charter school students, adults, families, and children who will benefit from various safety courses and events. The impact goals are multifaceted: to reduce the number of injuries and deaths, promote healthy and active lifestyles that can lower healthcare costs, and further the moveDC objectives of safety, mobility, and sustainability. By addressing critical areas of bicycle and pedestrian safety, the program aims to foster a culture of safe and active transportation within the District. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. These include providing in-school pedestrian and bike safety classes for DC charter schools, establishing a Bike Ambassador program, offering "learn to ride" and bicycle safety courses for adults, families, and children, and organizing pedestrian and bicycle safety events. Furthermore, the initiative emphasizes maintaining a pedestrian and bicycle safety website with a calendar of events and a dashboard for Bike Ambassador activities, providing necessary equipment, and distributing printed educational materials. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around increased participation in safety education, a reduction in pedestrian and bicycle-related incidents, and greater adoption of active transportation methods. The program's success will be tracked through metrics such as the number of participants in courses and events, engagement with the safety website, and ultimately, a decline in injury and fatality rates. This continuous commitment reflects DDOT's strategic priority to enhance the safety and functionality of its multimodal network, operating under the theory that comprehensive education and outreach are critical drivers for achieving a safer, healthier, and more sustainable urban environment.

Topfer Family Foundation Grant Program focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations within the program areas of Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment, Youth Enrichment, Children’s Health, Aging In Place, and Job Training & Support. Eligible applicants must be exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. The foundation primarily invests in communities where the family resides, including the greater Austin, Texas and greater Chicago, Illinois metropolitan areas. Additionally, they have started providing grants to organizations in Denver, CO and Broward County, FL. For more information and to apply for a grant, visit Topfer Family Foundation's website.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation's Impact100 Grant Program is currently seeking applications, inviting proposals across a broad spectrum of community needs. While the explicit mission alignment and strategic priorities of the foundation are not detailed in the provided text, the grant program itself demonstrates an implicit commitment to fostering positive change in areas vital to community well-being. By supporting projects in arts/culture/recreation, social services, conservation/environment, health, youth, and education, the foundation aligns with a general philanthropic mission to enhance the quality of life for residents within its service area. The program's openness to operating funds, one-time projects addressing critical needs, new or expanding programs, and improvement projects beyond an organization's means, indicates a flexible and responsive approach to community investment. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are primarily non-profit organizations that serve the residents of Macon, Piatt, and Moultrie counties, or Paris, IL. Specifically, organizations with 501(c)(3) status or other qualified charitable, religious, or government organizations are eligible. A prioritization is given to 501(c)(3) organizations recognized by the IRS as operating public charities for a minimum of three years, suggesting a focus on established and sustainable entities. The overarching impact goal is to address critical needs within these communities by funding projects that fall within the designated categories. The grant program focuses on a diverse range of project types and subject areas. These include arts/culture/recreation, social services, conservation/environment, health, youth, and education. This broad scope indicates a desire to support a holistic improvement of community life. The funding also specifically supports operating funds, one-time projects addressing critical needs, new or expanding programs, and improvement projects. These priorities highlight the foundation's understanding that effective community support can take many forms, from sustaining ongoing operations to catalyzing new initiatives and addressing urgent needs. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the nature of the supported project types implies a desire for tangible community benefits. For instance, funding for social services would likely aim for improved well-being for vulnerable populations, while education grants would seek enhanced learning opportunities. Similarly, support for conservation/environment would aim for improved ecological health, and health grants for better public health outcomes. Organizations applying are likely expected to articulate their own specific, measurable outcomes that align with the foundation's broad areas of interest, demonstrating how their proposed projects will generate positive, quantifiable change within the communities served. With $200,000 available funding for 2024 and individual grants ranging from no minimum to $50,000, the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation is strategically investing in local organizations that are working to address the most pressing issues in Macon, Piatt, and Moultrie counties, and Paris, IL. Their theory of change, while not explicitly stated, appears to be rooted in empowering local non-profits to effect positive change through direct service, program development, and critical infrastructure improvements. By providing financial resources to a diverse array of projects, the foundation aims to strengthen the social fabric and overall vitality of the communities it serves, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more vibrant region.

This grant provides funding for K-12 schools in Missouri and Illinois to implement innovative educational projects that enhance student engagement and prepare them for a technology-driven future.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofits in Illinois and Missouri that are addressing critical community needs through innovative or emergent programs, with a focus on areas such as basic needs, health, and youth success.

The Access to Recreation Program, an initiative of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, is designed to support accessible recreation projects for individuals with disabilities and special needs. This includes adaptive sports, games, and programs, as well as capital projects, addressing various needs such as sensory, physical, mobility, cognitive, developmental, emotional, and psychological disabilities. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this program, aligns with fostering inclusive community participation and removing barriers to recreation. The program primarily targets nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, public or private schools, and units of government or municipalities that serve residents of Sangamon County, IL. The goal is to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in indoor or outdoor recreation activities without barriers. The program seeks to fund initiatives that are specifically designed for and/or about people with disabilities but are also available to the general public, promoting broader community inclusion. The program prioritizes requests that support accessible recreation, focusing on activities that enable participation for individuals with disabilities. This includes projects that facilitate adaptive sports, games, and various recreational programs. The emphasis is on creating an environment where disabilities do not hinder access to recreational activities, thereby enhancing the quality of life for individuals with special needs within Sangamon County. Expected outcomes include increased participation of people with disabilities in recreational activities, the development of more inclusive recreational programs, and the establishment of accessible facilities. Measurable results could include the number of individuals served, the types of adaptive programs implemented, and the improvements made to existing facilities to enhance accessibility. The foundation's strategic priorities appear to revolve around community well-being and equitable access, with a theory of change that posits by funding accessible recreation, they can directly improve the health, social integration, and overall life satisfaction of people with disabilities in their service area.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations focused on social betterment, including disaster relief, basic needs, education in STEM fields, health initiatives, and programs for individuals with disabilities.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

This funding opportunity provides financial support and capacity-building resources to small or emerging nonprofits in McHenry County, helping them strengthen their operations and enhance their community services.

The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation (IEJF) awards grants to support legal assistance for low-income Illinois residents who cannot afford an attorney, aligning with its core mission of promoting equal access to justice. These grants enable not-for-profit organizations to provide critical civil legal aid, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent vulnerable populations from addressing legal challenges. The foundation's strategic priority is to support direct service staff positions, including attorneys, paralegals, pro bono coordinators, and social/caseworkers, to enhance the capacity of legal service providers to deliver efficient and effective assistance. The grant program targets two primary beneficiary groups: families in crisis and older Illinoisans. For families, the focus is on civil legal assistance in areas such as family law (e.g., orders of protection, child custody, guardianship, divorce), consumer law, and veterans and disability benefits. For older Illinoisans (aged 65 and above), the program aims to protect them from physical and financial abuse and hardship through civil legal assistance in cases involving orders of protection, guardianships, healthcare, consumer and credit issues, housing, and public benefits like Social Security and Medicare. Housing assistance is specifically excluded for families in crisis this year due to existing IEJF programs funded by IDHS and IHDA. The IEJF's grants are designed to achieve significant impact by strengthening the delivery of civil legal services. By funding staff positions, the foundation seeks to increase the availability of legal aid to those most in need. Expected outcomes include improved legal protection for families facing domestic issues, financial difficulties, and challenges related to veteran and disability benefits, as well as enhanced safeguarding of older adults from abuse and financial hardship. The theory of change posits that by investing in direct service staff, legal aid organizations can better address complex legal needs, leading to more equitable justice outcomes for low-income individuals. Measurable results will stem from the effective deployment of grant funds to support direct service staff. Applicants must demonstrate how proposed staff positions will enhance the organization's ability to provide efficient and effective legal assistance in the priority areas. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on direct service staff suggests a focus on the volume and quality of legal aid cases handled and the number of individuals served within the designated priority areas. The foundation's commitment to organizations with a proven track record (e.g., continuous operation for at least two years, expenditures of at least $200,000 for civil legal assistance, and employment of four or more full-time attorneys or provision of legal representation to at least 200 low-income persons via pro bono attorneys) indicates a desire for sustainable and impactful interventions.

The Impact Central Illinois 2025 Grant Cycle is now open, offering significant funding opportunities for local nonprofit organizations. This women's collective giving organization combines contributions from members to fund impactful projects addressing critical community needs. For 2025, Impact Central Illinois plans to award three IMPACT Grants of $100,000 each and one INSPIRE Grant of $25,000, with the final grant amounts confirmed in December 2024. The funding cycle runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, with grants awarded during the organization’s annual meeting in June 2025. Nonprofits interested in applying must first complete Phase 1, which involves submitting financial documentation and an organizational questionnaire via the online portal by January 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. This phase focuses on financial integrity, and the Financial Review Committee (FRC) will evaluate the submitted documentation in early 2025 to assess each organization's readiness to receive and implement a grant. Organizations approved during this phase will be invited in February 2025 to submit detailed proposals and budgets for consideration. Impact Central Illinois evaluates applications through a five-phase process. In Phase 2 and 3, eligible organizations submit proposals and project budgets, which are reviewed by the Grant Review Committees (GRCs). Phase 4 involves on-site visits and interviews with selected organizations’ leadership. Finally, in Phase 5, two finalists from each focus area are invited to the annual meeting, where they present their proposals, and members vote to select the grant recipients. Grant applications must align with one of three focus areas: Health & Community Wellbeing, Education & Community Development, or Social Services & Basic Needs. Smaller nonprofits applying for the INSPIRE Grant do not need to select a specific focus area. Applicants are required to submit three years of filed organizational 990s (990 or 990-EZ, not 990-N), proof of 501(c)(3) status, proof of good standing, and, if applicable, the most recent audit. For organizations unable to file 990s, a financial review template is available. Nonprofits are encouraged to thoroughly review the guidelines and submit complete and accurate documentation to maximize their chances of advancing through the grant cycle. Questions can be directed to grants@impactcentralillinois.org, and more details are available on the Impact Central Illinois website. This grant opportunity offers a substantial funding boost to organizations addressing critical community issues with innovative and measurable solutions.